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What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic is classified as either softneck or hardneck. Hardneck garlic, which is generally grown in the north, forms curly flower stalks called scapes and can be used to make a fantastic garlic scape pesto.
The garlic scapes will eventually go to seed and may be used to plant new garlic. But it is generally recommended that these be removed to allow all the energy to concentrate on the growth of the garlic bulb.
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If left on the plant, the curly stem forms a seed head. Cutting, or snapping off the scapes when they are young provides a wonderful, tender vegetable with a mild garlic flavor. They may be chopped and stir fried, or left whole like asparagus.
More Post You’ll Enjoy
How to Grow, Harvest, and Cure Garlic
Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil
Garlic Scape Pesto or Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh young garlic scapes chopped
- 3/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cups olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth in a food processor.
- Serve over cooked pasta, or as a dip.
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Debbie says
I just discovered Garlic Scape Pesto at my local farmers market last week! Oh, it is yummy! Thanks for the recipe! I wonder if the grocers are selling it… I need to look for some and try your recipe! Happy Farmgirl Friday!
susanv says
I’ve never seen them in the grocery store, only at farmer’s markets. If you can plant your own garlic, though, you’d be set!
Agi's Farmhouse Kitchen says
I was just thinking of making this too! It’s also great stirred into cooked vegetables like zucchini or carrots. 🙂
susanv says
GREAT idea!!!!
Nancy says
Sounds delicious! Wish my hubby hadn’t mowed off our garlic.
Thank you for sharing at Rural Thursdays this week. xoxo
susanv says
HaHa! There’s always next year!
Rosalyn says
This sounds absolutely delicious. I wish I were about to dig into a big bowl right now! I haven’t yet grown garlic, but I already did wonder what one does with those strange scapes they sell at the Farmer’s Market. Thanks for the recipe!
susanv says
Hi Rosalyn! Shall I mail you some? 😉 Hmmm, wonder how dehydrated scapes would work out?
IllinoisLori says
Mmmmm, just the kind of recipe I was wanting for garlic scapes! Thanks so much for sharing 😀
Blessings,
Lori
susanv says
Thanks for visiting, Lori!
Kristel @ Healthy Frugalista says
I receive a boat load of scapes from a friend each year. If you have excess like I do here’s how to freeze them Using and Preserving Garlic Scapes .
Your pesto sounds delish!
susanv says
A boat load of scapes! What a blessing! 🙂
Kristel @ Healthy Frugalista says
I linked your pesto recipe to my post Using and Preserving Garlic Scapes
susanv says
Thanks!!!
Jill says
I have a few scapes left on my garlic plants. I never would have thought to add them to pesto but now I definitely will!
susanv says
You’ll love it!
Athena at Minerva's Garden says
How neat–I’ve never tried this before, but it certainly sounds good!
susanv says
It’s so yummy!
Katherine Atkinson says
Wonderful! I’ve been wanting this recipe but haven’t had time to find it on the internet. Now I can use yours! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this on Wildcrafting Wednesday!
~ Kathy
susanv says
I appreciate you hosting the link up!
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
What a great idea – now I just have to remember to plant hardneck garlic this fall. 😉
susanv says
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!
Rachel @ Grow a Good Life says
Susan: Thank you for sharing this recipe with me for my garlic scape round up! It’s now live and I can’t wait for my scapes to grow so I can try some of these recipes. You can see the round up here: http://growagoodlife.com/10-ways-use-garlic-scapes or Pin it for later: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/313492824034778757/
Thanks again!
sel says
Scapes are good…… however, if you cannot get them.. not a problem. I roast
my big elephant garlic use them for the pesto. Mild and most of all it is always at the store,
By the way toasted walnuts make a great pesto as well…ever tried them? i also use them in place of the pine nuts. Pistachios….such a delicious pesto….frankly anything makes good pesto.
Susan Vinskofski says
I’ve replaced the pine nuts with other nuts, but no, I’ve never had straight nut pesto. Sounds amazing!
Sandra says
I don’t have pine nuts, but I have lots of pecans. Could you use pecans instead?
(if possible, could you email the answer)
Susan Vinskofski says
Absolutely – you can use any nut, or skip them altogether! (I did email you).
Ann Vitale says
Love garlic scape pesto since I was introduced to it years ago by a local grower. Sauteing the scapes cut in 1 to2 inch pieces in good quality olive oil along with
boiled and cut new potatoes and some coarse salt is delicious.
For garlicaholics there is a cookbook “There’s No Such Thing As Too Much Garlic” by Carol Lazzeri-Caseyi
Susan Vinskofski says
I love the scapes and potato idea; I’ll be trying that. Thanks, Ann!
Nancy says
I tried to puree my scapes this year
and I found them to be very stringy/
woody
Should I cut the scapes earlier or is
there anything I could do about it?
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Nancy, yes, it is definitely best to harvest the scapes when they are young. They’ll be nice and tender then.